INVENTIONS FOR LICENSE

MCL 168.0: Compounds as Treatment for Depression or Dysthymia

Perry Renshaw, M.D., Ph.D.

Treatment of Depression
Treatment of Dysthymia

Background and Description

The invention is based on the discovery that patients suffering from depression have modified levels of brain chemicals relating to lipid metabolism. This leads to the hypothesis that disorders like depression, and dysthymia can be treated by agents that modulate the levels of these chemicals in the brain.

Potential Commercial Uses

The invention comprises a method of treating disorders like depression, by administering a compound that is involved in lipid metabolism. In addition to unipolar depression, the invention may be useful for treatment of dysthymia. It is believed that the compounds of this invention will be less susceptible to side effects, and therefore more useful for elderly patients, than products currently on the market.

Publication and Patent Status

McLean Hospital is the owner of pending U.S. and European patent applications claiming this invention.

Licenses Available

Exclusive licenses to this technology are available in certain fields of use.

For more information, please contact:

Anne Ritter, Licensing Manager
Partners Research Ventures and Licensing
amritter@partners.org
(617) 954-9529